34th Meeting of the U. S. Coral Reef Task Force in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Contact
Keeley Belva, keeley.belva@noaa.gov, 301-713-3066

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, established in 1998 to lead U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems, will hold its biannual meeting from Oct. 24 to 31 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The meeting will emphasize the importance of coral reef conservation, highlight conservation strategies and successes and promote an enhanced vision for how the task force and its members can meet the challenges facing coral reefs and local communities.

Key topics include ongoing research and partnerships in Puerto Rico’s Northeast Marine Corridor and Culebra Island, one of NOAA’s newest habitat blueprint focus areas, local land use and watershed management practices, climate vulnerability and more.

This biannual gathering ― co-chaired by the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior -- brings together representatives from 12 federal agencies, officials from state and territory governments, and delegates from three freely associated states.

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico is a key partner in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program efforts in the commonwealth.

WHAT:
U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting
Journalists welcomed at public session, Thu., Oct. 29
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 2:00- 5:15 p.m.

AGENDA:
Business meeting agenda is available online: www.coralreef.gov
List of task force members: www.coralreef.gov/about/members.html

WHERE:
El Conquistador Hotel, Pablo Casals Ballroom, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

WHO:

Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries
Lori Faeth, deputy assistant secretary for policy and international affairs, Department of the Interior
Jeffrey L. Payne, acting director, NOAA Office for Coastal Management
Pat Montanio, director, NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation
Jennifer Koss, acting director, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program